Fulfilled Wish list item.

[Rolf]

I finally bought a Nova Voyager Drill press. I have been drooling for one since it was released. No more belts to change speed. 

Computer controlled drilling dept etc. All kinds of neat things. 

[JimErn]

Congrats, that is one impressive machine, be interested in a review after you have used it some

[rjweb]

Congrats on a beautiful piece of machinery, how are you feeling, hope all is well with your electronics, RJ 

[Tomanydogs]

Congratulations Rolf. 

[John B]

I bought a variable speed drill press a while ago because I was sick of changing belts. I thought I was pretty good until I saw what a Nova is.:)

[amazingkevin]

Just more things to go wrong with new fangled toys! Enjoy!!!

[Rolf]

The Nova is replacing a Delta 16-1/2 inch, 12 speed belt drive floor model.  I could not afford a variable speed at that time. I have a multitude of hobbies that include working with metal, plastics and of course wood. They require changing speeds or risk destroying drill bits and or the project.  Most times I didn't take the time to change the speed. I already have the Nova DVR lathe and really like how it works.  So now I don't have to even look at recommended speeds in my machinist hand book. I select the drill and size, the material and it sets the speed.

The only thing is that the display is up high. I am 5' 9", so I think for someone shorter They may want to put a small platform in front of it.  Of course you could always shorten the column. 

Edited August 14, 2020 by Rolf

[Rockytime]

Too bad it didn't happen. No pictures. So sad. 

[Rolf]

OOps, I forgot the rules! "no pictures didn't happen". LOL I will fix that a bit later.

Edited August 16, 2020 by Rolf

[OzarkSawdust]

Damn you Rolf! Just when I thought I was getting a nice complete shop...you go and show me something I've "got to have"!   Just put it on my "Wish List".

That is one cool drill press !!! Congratulations on your new toy! Do you have to take classes to learn to use it? I watched the video, I've never heard of it but it can really do some neat stuff. 

I think your new toy trumps my new toy, DeWalt 779 compound sliding miter saw.

 

[Rolf]

The drill press is as easy or complex as you want it to be. You can just simply change the speed with the knob or program in presets that require just a push of the button. 

If you are not sure what speed is best then use the menu. I have compared their recommendations with my machinists guide book and they are spot on.

It is tall and very heavy.

One thing I tried yesterday was to hit the emergency stop while it was at high speed.  It has electronic braking, and it really works. Good to know if ever something goes wonky. 

I also put a dial indicator on it to check the chuck run-out.  When I first put it together I did not clean the taper as well as I should have.  I chucked a 3/8 steel rod and it had a bit more wobble than I would have liked. I then replaced it with a Jacobs chuck from my metal lathe and it was no better. So yesterday I cleaned every thing up properly and put the chuck that came with it back in.  About 1/2 inch below the chuck I had about .0005" runout  at 4 inches below the chuck  .003". I am very pleased with those numbers.  I will play some more another time to see if  the jaws are seating evenly.

 

 

Edited August 17, 2020 by Rolf